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LEGISLATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES  MINISTER: Appointment of MCC, Appeal Committee against decisions of the MCC and DG, Appointment of registrar and deputy registrar/s, Promulgation of regulations in consultation with MCC, grants exemptions to some sections of the Act in consultation with MCC, determines fees in consultation with Minister of Finance  DIRECTOR GENERAL: Release of Information, Issuing of Permits for Psychotropics & Narcotics, Licensing premises, appointment of law enforcement inspectors, appointment of secretariat to MCC, collection of fees

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HISTORY  Human medicine regulated for past 41 years  Veterinary medicines regulated since 1947 under Act 36 but brought under the ambit of MCC in 1979  Stock remedies still regulated under Act 36 administered by the department of Agriculture

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HOW THE MCC WORKS BY LAW  Obliged to hold at least one meeting every two months  Provision for special meetings at the discretion of the chairperson or on request by at least 3 members  On request by Minister  Decisions are by majority vote except S36 exclusions when a unanimous decision is required  Executive committee may exercise all powers of council in between meetings, subject to ratification at first ensuing meeting of council

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HOW THE MCC WORKS cont.  24 Council members with defined expertise and skills  10 technical Expert committees, varying in numbers from 7 to 22 members  145 members total currently  Academic, research and professional backgrounds  Drawn from various institutions throughout the country